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I’ve heard before that this might be explained as: people who eat chilies tend to eat a greater variety of food (more vegetables) than people who don’t (meat an

• vertis 6y ago
  I like the term part-time vegetarian. As a full-time vegetarian and part-time vegan, it has always been difficult to correct the confusion caused by people that say they're vegetarian and then eat fish or something similar. 'Part-time' encapsulates the intent nicely.
  • tashoecraft 6y ago
    Part time is great. I'm part time vegan (probably 90% of my meals), but I still rarely have meat, dairy, everything. I dislike the idea that if you aren't always vegan/vegetarian you've "failed". Like it's some religion that if you ever strayed you have some mark against you. It's so much easier to go 90% than 100, and I bet many more people would be willing to go 90% than 100%. We'll make major strids to improving the environment, improving our populations health, and improving the well being of animals if a majority of people have a goal of 90% rather than full removal.
    • godelski 6y ago
      Even just getting people to go mostly chicken over beef has a big impact. This also creates a way to ease into a more plant based diet. Personally I've found the 90% aspect easier. I don't have to worry if my vegetarian meals have something like chicken stock in them. It is about eating healthier and a lower carbon diet than being 100% perfect. Just needs to be good enough.
      • galangalalgol 6y ago
        What about pescatarian (sp?)? I like the idea of ditching dependence on land based animals. Is sane tilapia farming sustainable? I have a fairly strong intolerance for beans and pulses and getting enough protein to deadlift from other sources is hard. The best my blood work has ever been was me eating about 1.3lbs of grassfed beef a day plus greens and 4 sweet potatoes. Thats great, but not sustainable for our whole population.
        • SEJeff 6y ago
          I'm an omnivoire, but can't you get a lot of vegan protein from chickpeas and soy? Soy does have the obvious huge downside of containing a much higher amount of estrogen and causes havoc in some people, but Chickpeas aren't hard to make delicious. Ditto for lentils as well
          • vram22 6y ago
            > Chickpeas aren't hard to make delicious. Ditto for lentils as well Yes. Check out my other comment about beans in this thread. All the dishes I mentioned there are pretty tasty. And so are lentils, if by that you meant masoor or masoor dal, or even if you meant tuar dal). And all those are high in protein as you say.
            • galangalalgol 6y ago
              I love Indian curries, but one serving obbeans or pulses will haunt me for a couple days. I don't know if it is sibo related, but I do have that. Cauliflower, blackberries, and mushrooms destroy me too.
              • vram22 6y ago
                Tough luck. Maybe some people are more prone to such issues. >sibo A typo? An acronym?
                • 6y ago
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    • xur17 6y ago
      This is a fantastic way to look at it. It feels like a perfect application of the 80 / 20 rule -> with 20% of the effort, you can get 80% of the benefits of being vegetarian / vegan.
      • Zancarius 6y ago
        Definitely. Not the OP you were replying to, but I love meat of all types. I also love vegetables. I also really like some vegetarian foods. Actually, I just like food, but I can't each much of it at one sitting. I think the other proposition is that, for whatever reason, there's this push to market vegetarian foods as substitutes to lure in traditional meat eaters rather than putting effort toward convincing them that they're alternatives that taste just as good. Like bean burgers. I absolutely love bean burgers because regular burgers just don't sit right with me half the time. But I don't treat them as a substitute--I treat them as an alternative that is delicious and unique in its own right AND to be enjoyed as such. I mean, let's be honest: There's so many different varieties of beans, and so many things you can do with them, that even speaking as a meat eater, it's almost impossible to get bored with how many different dishes you can make (with no meat)! One example that comes to mind that's semi-vegetarian is a black bean enchilada recipe I make from time to time. Just beans. Only non-vegetarian item is the cheese (and sometimes the corn tortillas because of lard, if you get them fresh). Doesn't feel heavy, tastes amazing, and it's super filling. Have a side of refried beans (I like beans)[1], Spanish rice, a salad, and it's like a restaurant-style meal. Err. Didn't mean to make this reply so long. Sorry. I guess I just love cooking, too. And yes, it's not that much effort to at least cut out red meat from your diet. Way healthier too. [1] The people around you probably won't like the side effects.
        • vram22 6y ago
          If by your [1] you mean flatulence, Indians (and some other Asians) eat many kinds of legumes (including many kinds of beans, like rajma, lobia, French beans, etc.), on a regular basis, and I, at least, have not heard of flatulence as a common thing among them due to that. Only if you indulge a bit too much in say chana (chickpeas, as in chana masala or puri chole or bhature chole), do you sometimes get gas. Possibly the Indian masala's spices used in those dishes help with digesting the beans, in fact they probably do, since they are the common ones used in Indian cooking, some of which have known digestive benefits, such as cumin, ginger, coriander, asafoetida, etc. (BTW, tip: just a pinch of asafoetida a.k.a. hing, really improves a dish; the zing of hing :) Also, I saw a video about nutrition by some scientist, who said that peoples (i.e. nations) who eat beans regularly, develop, over time, the ability (maybe via better gut flora) to digest them more easily, without gas being generated.
    • Gibbon1 6y ago
      I have a friend that is mostly a vegetarian because he thinks a) the meat industry is often cruel. b) very destructive environmentally. I'm okay with that. I don't eat veal or fish for the same reasons[1]. Veal is cruel. And fishing is horribly destructive. Where someone draws a line isn't as important as they do. [1] Don't get me started though with Hippie Brahmans that won't eat chicken or beef but eat fish for 'heath reasons'
    • seanwilson 6y ago
      > I dislike the idea that if you aren't always vegan/vegetarian you've "failed". In the case you're vegan because you think it's unethical to kill for food, why should you get a break here? I can't think of other ethical issues where you wouldn't be looked down for going against your firmly held beliefs. "Mostly plant-based diet" sounds like a better term if you're less concerned about the animal suffering aspect. Vegan would also include not wearing leather for example so it might be a case of you not using the right word.
      • tashoecraft 6y ago
        And I disagree with the leather part because leather production isn’t causing animals to be killed. It’s a by product of the, mostly beef industry. It would take a massive decline in beef production to cause cows to be killed purely for their leather. Leather goods also last decades. I believe more in a overall balance. You can’t get everyone to be vegan, the earth simply can’t support that.
        • seanwilson 6y ago
          > It’s a by product of the, mostly beef industry. You're supporting and putting more money into the beef industry by buying leather though. You don't kill cows directly by buying milk either, but the milked cow will eventually be slaughtered for meat too and its male offspring used as veal. > I believe more in a overall balance. You can’t get everyone to be vegan, the earth simply can’t support that. Fair enough, but "vegan" isn't the term to use to describe your beliefs then.
        • luckman212 6y ago
          You can’t get everyone to be vegan, the earth simply can’t support that. Genuinely curious, why can't Earth support everyone eating vegan? I thought it took more land, water, soil, and resources in general to produce meat? Is it about transportation, or Arctic climates where fresh fruit and veg is not available?
          • seanwilson 6y ago
    • goda90 6y ago
      And honestly, animals will play an important role in sustainable agriculture, so animal products will still be part of our lives. I was watching a presentation about soil health by a farmer. They don't use fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, etc because of a system of cover crops, free range animals, and mob grazing(a dense herd moved through the field quickly to trample and poop all over) to build healthy soil. The problems we have are from factory farms, monocultures, and destroying old growth ecosystems so more people can consume in excess, instead of moderation.
  • dheera 6y ago
    I also wish people would stop thinking of vegetarianism as a black-and-white concept. Moreover, the people who are quickest to point out that "you're not really vegetarian" are the ones who eat meat regularly :( Especially for someone who is vegetarian to reduce carbon emissions, 90%, 95%, and 100% aren't that different, and hell even 50% is a tremendous reduction especially if it means that it's easier to convince 5 people to do 50% than 1 person to do 100%. Occasional indulgence was never the problem for the environment, and people should know that's okay to occasionally indulge, it doesn't need to be black and white.
    • vertis 6y ago
      Indeed. I'm not a big fan of militant vegetarianism/veganism. I think it creates a barrier to entry. It's one of the reasons that a lot of products now describe themselves as 'plant-based' rather than vegan. As someone who grew up vegetarian, things have changed drastically in the last 30 years. I grew up eating some truly niche meat-replacement products[1][2]. Things like 'Impossible Burgers' and 'Beyond Meat' have changed the experience significantly. There is still a long way to go, and it's not just about taste, but also nutrition. However it has made it much more appealing to use those alternatives, and reduce the use of meat. My own vegetarian/vegan mix is also occasionally broken when people don't know that I'm vegetarian, and serve meat. I have long decided not to make a scene. One of my of ex-colleagues never found out I'm vegetarian, because of an incident where they invited everyone out to dinner and it turned out to be at a fancy sushi restaurant (share-plates, yay). [1]: https://www.vegiedelights.com.au/products/nutmeat/ https://www.vegiedelights.com.au/products/nutmeat/ [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textured_vegetable_protein https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textured_vegetable_protein
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  • jimbokun 6y ago
    > and then eat fish or something similar pescatarian
    • vertis 6y ago
      Yes. 'Non self-describing pescatarian' :)
  • citizenpaul 6y ago
    Vertis people like you are a cancer. "You are only trying so you failed" Go die already so the world can be a better place.
  • personlurking 6y ago
    I've heard the term 'flexitarian', which I understand to be mostly vegetarian but sometimes eats meat.
    • rtkaratekid 6y ago
      Yea, I use this and I’ve heard it as well. I’m about 90% vegetarian currently.
    • Zenbit_UX 6y ago
      I prefer non-practicing vegan
  • wortelefant 6y ago
    vegan preference with occasional pizza lapses, I'd describe my diet as 'vegetarian with ambitions'
    • alisonatwork 6y ago
      This is similar to me. I prefer to eat vegan, but won't be absolutist about it when i'm eating out or if someone gives me food for free. Now i describe my diet as "aspirationally vegan".
      • vertis 6y ago
        Both great terms. I think I will borrow them for my own use. I definitely struggle most with the cheeses. I've never really been a big milk drinker, and growing up (both parents are vegetarian) I disliked eggs, so almost never ate them if I could taste them. I've tried a bunch of the vegan cheeses and they just don't scratch the itch. I live in hope though.
  • bliss 6y ago
    Don't be me - at work c. 2001 - heard about a colleague who was "vegetarian" but ate fish and sometimes chicken... I wanted to create a pseudo-scientific name for this way of eating. I was thinking something along the lines of eats some meat but predominantly vegetarian. So I opened up google and typed "Latin meat" - the results did not translate to the latin for meat!
    • bliss 6y ago
      btw - Caro Numquam is what I came up with
    • nunchuck 6y ago
      Yes. The scientific name for eating vegatables and sometimes fish and chicken. It's called "healthy"
  • jb1991 6y ago
    > correct the confusion caused by people that say they're vegetarian and then eat fish The confusion can be corrected by using the right term: pescatarian, not vegetarian.
    • vram22 6y ago
      Right: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism
    • vertis 6y ago
      Sure, this is one solution. But I suspect the 'culprits' use vegetarian because pescatarian isn't a well known term and invites more questions than it answers. Vegetarian sums up a large chunk of their preferences, even if it isn't accurate.
      • jb1991 6y ago
        If people just use the right word, and when someone asks "what does that mean?" they tell them, this exchange of 5 seconds is enough to bring awareness, if everyone who is a pescatarian took that short moment.
  • yboris 6y ago
    I like to describe myself as "mostly vegan". When talking to others I urge them to see, like I do, a long continuum between eating 100% only meat and consuming 0% of animal products. I recommend people reflect on their values (causing pollution and animal suffering) and aim to decrease consumption of animal products to whatever level they are comfortable with. It can be a long process, and we all should be more supportive in helping people align their actions with their values. Needless to say these kinds of conversations are better when the person is receptive and interested, not when you first meet them.
  • sonicggg 6y ago
    Does not make any sense. It is like saying you're part-time gay because you only suck dick on Fridays.
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  • SEJeff 6y ago
    Could you not refer to as a "Part-time" vegetarian who eats fish as simple a Pescatarian? My sister tried the fully vegan diet for a year and ended up with a lot of health problems. So she now will eat eggs from her neighbor (who raises the chickens responsibly and free range) along with fish for the omega threes and iron.
    • vertis 6y ago
      Yep, agreed. The problem, minor though it is, is that there are a bunch of people that should refer to themselves as Pescatarian, but don't. I suspect that they refer to themselves as vegetarians because it's simpler and encapsulates a large chunk of their preferences. It just causes confusion when they go to the waiter. "I'm vegetarian....Oh, I'll have the fish" In any case I was simply trying to explain why I liked the 'part-time' thing.
• M5x7wI3CmbEem10 6y ago
  the flavor is there, but what about protein besides lentils, chickpeas, cheese and milk?
  • darkwizard42 6y ago
    In Indian cuisine there is a huge variety of lentils that are used not only in common everyday vegetable mains but also ground up and served as flour. The variety of flours meant that you generally get a lot more nutrients out of your bread than in traditional wheat based breads.
  • methyl 6y ago
    Why would you need any more proteins than that?
    • Scarbutt 6y ago
      Weight/strength training?
      • eloff 6y ago
        You need to supplement for that anyway. Whey protein is best, but the purely vegetarian ones can work as well. Both are substantially lower impact than meat protein.
        • kelnage 6y ago
          I think you probably know this, but whey is suitable for vegetarians (being a byproduct of curdling milk) - and whey-based protein supplements are often vegetarian. Vegan protein supplements are generally extracted from things like peas, beans or hemp.
          • eloff 6y ago
            I do know that, but thanks for clarifying. The word vegetarian in this case refers to being composed of only plant products. Maybe it can't be used that way.
• copperx 6y ago
  I don't understand when you say that an explosion of flavors makes up for a lack of meat, because meat is pretty much flavorless unless you add a bunch of condiments.
  • andybak 6y ago
    That seems a very weird thing to say unless by condiments you just mean "salt". I'd happily eat a plate of well cooked meat with just a sprinkle of salt. Beef, chicken, pork and lamb all have tons of umami and sweetness to me. Do you find vegetables equally flavourless?
    • JamesBarney 6y ago
      I think that's mostly true. Though chicken breast or turkey while not entirely flavorless, live next door to it.
      • jfk13 6y ago
        That rather depends where you're sourcing your chicken or turkey. The birds my local butcher can supply may not be as cheap as those at the supermarket, but they have a whole lot more flavour.
      • ficklepickle 6y ago
        Water-plumped chicken annoys the bejesus out of me. You try to stir fry, but end up boiling. Rude.
    • maccard 6y ago
      If someone's world view of vegetables is broccoli, cabbage or carrots chopped and boiled and served as plate dressing, then in all honesty vegetables are flavorless. The thoughts of eating a mountain of over boiled cabbage just make my skin crawl. Thankfully there are plenty of options out there that show that vegetables aren't just that, and the internet makes that all the more accessible now too!
  • hahamrfunnyguy 6y ago
• blkknightarms 6y ago
  Oh yeah. I can eat rajma like pad thai: until I'm foodcomatose. Indian food is phreak'n awesome. Also, I eat habaneros and jalapeños, and have a hot sauce collection. A family friend tried to slip me a Carolina Reaper as a "garnish" once, but I didn't fall for it, lol. I really don't want to live too long because I'm predestined to get ARMD, prostate cancer, and probably colon cancer too. I'd rather carpe diem and die well. Fair warning: I'm an almost always ovo-lacto-pesci-vegetarian for ecological and human species existential threats reasons for about 12 years. I'd like to remove ovo- and lacto-, but it's so dang difficult. Also, an adrenaline junkie.
• jb1991 6y ago
  I love Indian food but it's hardly healthy. Most of it is high in creams and butters. Update: this commenter has more info: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25093452 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25093452
  • BrawnLongHaul 6y ago
    Lol. Actually the creams and butters are the healthy part of Indian food (assuming they are using pure ghee). It is the excessive carbs and vegetable oil fried crap that is the unhealthy part.
    • xwdv 6y ago
      The creams and butters are not healthy, they are just healthier than some alternatives. They still create a sludge in your arteries that blood has to pump through. Excessive is relative. If you burn a lot of carbs working fields or in endurance sports you need the carbs.
    • uhtred 6y ago
      Lol, wut. What do you mean by excessive carbs?
  • in_cahoots 6y ago
    Home-cooked Indian food is much less rich than the stuff you’ll find in restaurants. Cream and butter are much more expensive than rice, lentils, and vegetables.
  • nunchuck 6y ago
    Cream and butter isn't the problem. It's the degree of refinement, and whether or not inexpensive, corner cutting processes are involved throughout the entire chain of production. Here's your plate of rice. Sans Butter and Cream. Go on, eat death then.
    • jb1991 6y ago
      > Go on, eat death then. What?
• ajharrison 6y ago
  Part-time vegetarian? Jesus Christ please stop it you’re embarrassing yourself.
• m463 6y ago
  It might be as simple as sweet vs spicy.
• lmilcin 6y ago
  Also, there might be other factors. Here in Poland, I know many people who like spicy food but none that are elderly or ill. When you are at mercy of other people (like being taken care of -- when you have medical condition or are elderly), you eat what you are given and it usually is also consumed by other people and basically vetoed by any one of them. Think about this: it is very likely you can associate driving expensive cars with good health and less chance of dying of all causes (well... except maybe car accident). Do expensive cars improve health? Or maybe most people need to work to be able to drive expensive car and this means they also do better in their life, have means to deal with medical issues and to have varied diet that people who do not work or have low paying jobs? I think in most western world eating spicy food is a choice and if you can make that choice and don't have to contend with what other people give you you are already ahead.
• shard 6y ago
  The cuisine that comes to mind when I think of spicy food is Korean. Koreans basically eat something spicy every meal in the form of kimchi, and sometimes eat extremely spicy meals. I've heard that basically all Koreans have at least mild stomach inflammation because of this. Koreans also eat quite a lot of meat, using the spiciness of kimchi to clean their palate. I wonder if the health effects can be seen in the Korean population, or if the probiotics in the kimchi will confound the results.
  • sikim 6y ago
    As a korean myself, I can say that kimchi is not really considered “spicy” to Koreans. It just happens to have chili peppers. When Koreans talk about spicy food, it’s the spiciness level of something like bulldak (spicy chicken) that has a lot more spicy ingredients. In relation to effects on health from eating a lot of spicy food, I don’t think you will find much in studying Koreans. Korean food is notoriously famous for being salty (especially soups that most Koreans eat daily) and a lot of Koreans suffer cardiovascular diseases from high blood pressure because of their diet. On a side note, it’s really kimchi’s acidity that helps with cleaning palate much like Germans’ sauerkraut or Japanese’ pickled ginger (called “gari”) that you eat with sushi.